Metrobus, as the municipal-owned provider of public transport for the city of Johannesburg, last year undertook to convert some of its current diesel Buses to Diesel Dual Fuel (DDF) and procure Euro-5 DDF buses, which are more friendly to the environment in terms of carbon emissions. Altogether, 150 CNG buses were ordered and delivery is now in its final stages.

The project called for an investment of more than USD 355 million for the buses and the contract for supply was awarded to Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a Mercedes-Benz South Africa retail commercial vehicles dealership.

In addition, approx. USD 1.67 million was set aside for the supply and delivery of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station, with that tender being won by NGV Gas (Pty) Ltd.

Thus far Metrobus has received nearly 130 buses. The balance of order will be completed by end of August 2016. Of the 150 buses, 100 have been built as fully dual-fuel vehicles, while the rest have dual-fuel systems retrofitted.

The City of Johannesburg’s Member of Mayoral Committee for Transport Councillor Christine Walters and Gauteng MEC for Transport Ismail Vadi visited bus manufacturer Busmark in Randfontein this week to inspect the dual-fuel buses being built for Sandown Motors on behalf of Metrobus. MMC Walters said through the acquisition the City was not only reducing the emission of greenhouse gases but it was also creating employment. He said dual-fuel buses and a greener City are one of Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau’s passions.

This project is a first in South Africa, and the company aims to be the leader by developing a Centre of Excellence on Natural Gas vehicle conversions.

In the financial year 2014-2015, the company converted 30 buses to dual-fuel operation using natural gas.